Slappa Multimedia Storage Products

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

June 08, 2004

While I have always preferred keeping my CDs in their jewel cases, there are times when it can be completely impractical. For instance, when I am in the ranch truck. Since I haven't sprung for Sirius Satellite Radio in this vehicle, while riding along I instead get to play DJ - switching out CDs as the mood hits or the good tracks end. Lugging around a box of disks in their jewel cases would be ridiculous, so instead I have always relied on portable CD cases that are fashioned like books. You know the ones I am talking about, I am sure. These "books" are filled with "pages" that have been designed to allow one to remove the CD from its jewel case and insert it into a plastic sleeve. Keeping CDs in these books allows one to carry as many as 120 disks at a time - without the serious bulk that would come from all of the wasted plastic from their cases.

Since I have been using this method to carry CDs in various vehicles over the last 20 years, I have had plenty of opportunities to try various types and sizes of cases by a multitude of manufacturers. Some cases have been better than others, and some have made me vow, "never again!" Over the years, I have learned to keep an eye out for future trouble spots when considering a new case. One of my biggest peeves is those cases which include a soft sheet of fabric in the sleeve which is supposed to protect the burned side of the disk and separate the disk from the portion of the pocket where you store the CD's booklet. While it is a great idea in theory, the implementation is usually poor: the cloth will be attached to the bottom of the sleeve with nothing securing its sides. While the problem may not be evident at first, over time the cloth divider will get scrunched down, and the CD will rub against whatever is behind it. Actually, all of the peeves I can immediately think of relate to the quality, or lack thereof, with which these cases are made.

When I opened a box of review products from Slappa this April, I didn't really expect to find anything that different from what I had seen before. Okay, so the name was original and the exterior designs looked clever, but how different could one case possibly be from another? Let me tell you, I was in for an education!

While I will talk in depth about each of the following three Slappa products' exteriors in their own sections, I want to start with the one feature that each share - their D² pockets.

Note that directly behind the clear plastic pocket is a second pocket

Unlike the inferior pockets I mentioned previously that have caused me so much past aggravation,  these have been perfectly planned and implemented - obviously by someone that actually uses their products.

Instead of being heat glued together with the center cloth secured only on the bottom, these pockets are sewn together with the cloth secured on all three sides. Right there, Slappa has surpassed much of their competition. This is apparent even before noticing the quality of the materials used. The translucent flexible plastic fronting each sleeve is noticeably thicker than the plastic used in any of my other cases. The textured cloth used to section the pockets is also much thicker and nicer than that of the others I own.

The way Slappa has designed their pockets gives the user options regarding how many CDs the case will actually store. One can place the disk's booklet in the front portion of the pocket, displaying its art through the translucent plastic, with the CD kept in the rear portion. If a maximum number of disks need to be stored, then the user can forgo the booklet and safely place a CDs in each pocket. Granted, only the front CD will be easily identifiable. But if a CD by the same artist is stored behind the displayed version, there should not be too much confusion.

The quality of the D² pockets will be evident to anyone that actually sees them, much less uses them. I am actually impressed enough with them that I doubt I will ever buy another brand's case.

I should also mention that each product I reviewed came with a handy drawstring dust-bag made of the same material as the cases' pockets and featuring the Slappa logo. While I will most likely never again store any of the cases in their dust-bag, the bags will be put to good use - either as shoe cases when I travel or as catch-alls in my car's trunk. Thanks Slappa!

So, without further ado, let's talk about the cases themselves...

Blue Collection CD Case 40:

I was sent the smallest CD case that Slappa makes, from their Blue Collection.

       
Photos courtesy of the Slappa site

I mention that it is the smallest because it is still a substantially sized item. Measuring approximately 7" wide  x 7" tall x 3" thick and weighing 12.6 ounces empty, this case may seem thicker than others in this carrying class, but it will be the perfect size for stashing behind or under the seat of a car.

The exterior of the case is composed of a molded "HardBody shell" which feels quite tough but does have some "give." A splash of blue color is sewn onto the graphite exterior and the colorful rubber zipper-pull echoes the theme, giving the case a unique style. A clear window on the Slappa's spine allows labels to be inserted if you are organized enough to need them.

The "industrial strength" zipper encircles roughly three-quarters of the case, allowing the book to be opened fully and laid flat when needed.

As long as you don't step directly on or drive over it, the CDs inside should be protected from shocks, jabs and drops. Perhaps Slappa should also consider making PDA cases...

Inside the velvet lined case, there is a convenient mesh pocket...

...complete with lagniappe - a thick 6" x 2.75" dust free cleaning cloth. There are also two index labels included for placement in the case's spine.

This case is designed to hold either 20 disks with their covers or 40 disks without their covers. You can get larger case versions which will hold  the following: 40 CDs with covers or 80 disks without, 80 CDs with covers or 160 disks without, and 120 CDs with covers or 240 disks without.

This is by far the nicest CD case I have ever used. Based on its quality materials and construction, it should give excellent protection to the disks kept in my vehicle for years. If you need a great quality portable CD case, then you need to check out the Slappa.

You can view warranty info here.

Price: $14.99 - get a 10% discount on your order by entering the code "gadgeteer"

Pros:
Inexpensive
Excellent quality materials, design and implementation
Ability to carry disks with their covers or to double up on CDs without covers
Included CD cleaning cloth

Cons:
None

40/40 HardBody DVD Case:

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Slappa had sent me their largest DVD case, the 40/40. The 40/40 refers to the fact that you can store 40 DVDs with their 40 accompanying covers. The DVD case shown on the Slappa site is black on black, but I was sent a burgundy on black version. Otherwise, they are exactly the same.

Picture courtesy of the Slappa site

This larger case measures approximately 14" tall by 10" wide x 3" thick. Because it is a larger case, there is a handle similar to that of a briefcase's on its spine. This will greatly help with portability.  Built into the top side of the handle is a clear window for label insertion.

Other than the handle, the DVD case's construction is virtually identical to the CD case. Once again, the exterior is composed of a molded "HardBody shell" which feels quite tough but does have some "give."  It should protect the DVDs from reasonable drops, shocks and jabs. Once again, I wouldn't recommend stepping on or driving over the case. An "industrial strength" zipper encircles all but the spine (where the handle is located), allowing the book to be opened fully and laid flat when needed. 

The case is designed to hold two DVDs and their covers per "page." Unlike the CD case where you could store double the amount of disks by forgoing their covers, the DVD case is truly designed to include each disk's documentation. Because of the needed depth to hold said documents, the cloth lined pocket has been stitched to hold the DVD nearer to the top - you will not have to dig around to retrieve it. Once again, proof of the planning that went into these products. Because of that stitching though, I probably shouldn't say that these are D² Pockets, but I will say that they are essentially the same.

Inside the velvet lined case, there is a convenient mesh pocket running the width of the cover, and once again there is an included dust free cleaning cloth. There are also two index labels for placing in the case's handle.

The 40/40 will likely become a necessary object for those of you that have vehicles equipped with DVD players, or for those who like to bring portable models along when traveling. For families such as mine with teens, this case (or the smaller 20/20 version) will also come in handy. My daughter can now take her library of DVDs or PlayStation 2 games to friend's houses when spending the night. As movies are watched, or games are played, they can go right back into their protective sleeve - safe and accounted for.

The quality of this case is very high, and I have to admit that the lower price point seems surprising for what you get.

You can view warranty info here.

Price: $33.99 - get a 10% discount on your order by entering the code "gadgeteer"

Pros:
Inexpensive
Excellent quality materials, design and implementation
Ability to carry DVD with their covers
Included CD cleaning cloth
Can also be used to carry CD based games - like PlayStation 2 or X-Box

Cons:
None

Wallmatz:

This last product will likely appeal to the young or the young at heart. Looking like a piece of pop art, Wallmatz are designed to display either 30 disks with their 30 covers or 60 CDs. This would also be a great way for gamers to keep handy frequently played PlayStation 2 or Xbox disks. Measuring 35.5" long x 25.75" wide, Wallmatz are the prefect size to hang above a desk or bed.

The Wallmatz are entirely comprised of the material used to make the D² Pockets. The soft cloth covers the entire back and the translucent flexible plastic is sewn to the front in strips to create the individual pockets. A rubber Slappa logo graces the bottom right edge of the Wallmatz.

   

Three ½" metal grommets line the Wallmatz' top, and according to the Slappa site there should be three metal hanging hooks included. Either my review unit didn't come with any or I accidentally tossed them while unpacking, but I couldn't find the hooks when it came time for installation. Hooks are an easy enough item to replace though, and in a pinch straight nails can also be used.

If this product had been around when I was a teenager, I can guarantee you that I would have ordered enough of them to cover one complete wall - then I would have made it a personal goal to fill every slot. Make no mistake about it, though - even though kids will love this item for its coolness factor, parents can be assured that they are buying a quality item.

Just as with the other Slappa products in this review, the Wallmatz is made to last of quality materials. I don't think any dorm room would be complete without it, and it is inexpensive enough that it would make a great back to school gift. If you aren't school aged, never fear - I doubt anyone will think less of you for hanging one with pride. ☺

You can view warranty info here.

Price: $20 - get a 10% discount on your order by entering the code "gadgeteer"

Pros:
Inexpensive
Excellent quality materials, design and implementation
Ability to store disks with their covers or to double up on CDs without covers

Cons:
None